Navy patrol bomber, Presque Isle, ca. 1945

Description

The photograph of this naval version of the four-engined, long range Consolidated B-24J, designated as PB4Y, was taken at Presque Isle probably during the spring of 1945.

It shows an unusual combination of USAF insignia on the underwing and fuselage with the Royal Air Force on rear fuselage aft of the American insignia, and the typical "fin flashes" of the RAF on the twin vertical stabilizers.

The nose turret design identifies the aircraft as a B-24J-40-CF produced in 1944. This aircraft likely was transferred on Lend Lease to RAF Coastal Command with the RAF's designation as "Liberator GR MK VI" for anti-submarine patrol in the eastern Atlantic.

Upon cessation of war in the European Theater of Operations it was being returned on "Reverse Lend Lease" to the U.S. Navy, possibly for further duty in the Pacific. Ground crews would soon paint over the British insignias.